On July 25, 2015 dozens of healthcare professionals were on hand to provide Back to School physicals and screenings for homeless children at the Lydia House.
Sports physicals, immunizations and lead testing were offered as well as vision / hearing testing and dental checks. Dr. Andy Sommer taught school-aged children the proper way to hold their backpacks to avoid back problems in the future. Lastly Childrens’s Hospital, Live Well Omaha, and Safe Kids Douglas County hosted a Bike Rodeo with 25 boosters and 100 helmets that were freely given to participants.
“This event would not be possible without the help of our community partners,” says Candace Gregory. “Homeless children are preparing to go back to school just the same way children all throughout the Heartland are. Except, they face unique challenges. Many that can have adverse health effects without preventative care. A special thank you to Katie O’Keefe, Dr. Matt Taylor, Dr. Robin Kahn, Clarkson College, Dr. Andy Sommer, DHHS, Boystown Hearing and the many individual nurses and doctors who helped to make this day happen.”
Open Door Mission provides 816 men, women, and children with safe shelter beds, serves more than 2,000 hot nutritious meals, and provides preventive measures to more than 275 families living in poverty.
Visit www.opendoormission.org or call (402) 422-1111 to see how you can make a difference in our community.